Buckingham Palace garden gates open

22/10/2008

Buckingham palace is opening its garden gates to the public for the first time in more than 200 years.

According to the Press Association, visitors will be able to pass through the garden gates and into the 39-acre grounds in spring of next year.

For the last two centuries, the public has only been granted access by invitation to certain events such as the Queen's annual summer garden parties.

But with the garden gates open, groups of up to 25 people will be able to book tours in April, May and June for £20 per person.

A spokesperson for the palace told the news agency that whether or not the grounds will remain open after this will depend on the popularity of the tours.

Buckingham Palace has been the official royal residence since 1837.

Originally built as a town house, it now contains 775 rooms and priceless art and furniture collections.

The public can view these works of art in the State Room, which is open during August and September.